Katrine Sporle
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Features
Nightclubs and niggles
A tenant was unhappy about various matters, primarily that the agent ‘lied’ about the nightclubs near the property...
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Features
Selling a rental property
"A landlord, who wanted to sell his rental property, complained to The Property Ombudsman about two issues: the estate agent’s viewing arrangements and their financial evaluation of the buyer, reports Katrine Sporle, The Property Ombudsman.
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Features
Fraudulent tenant references
"A landlord was concerned about the referencing of one particular tenant. He believed that the application was likely to be fraudulent and sought compensation from the agent, reports Katrine Sporle, The Property Ombudsman."
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Features
Misleading information about an extension that didn’t meet building regulations
"A property was advertised as a four-bedroomed house, but when a buyer progressed the sale, they discovered that the new extension didn't meet the building regulations." Katrine Sporle, TPO, reviews.
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Features
Policing property
Agents do suffer criticism and in some cases it may be justified. But the industry does self-police more effectively than some believe, as Joanne Christie found out.
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Features
Understanding the terms of an agency agreement
"Having signed a 16-week sole agency agreement, a sale was agreed but fell through and the sellers' niece bought the property. The agency charged the sellers the full commission. Unacceptable, says Katrine Sporle, The Property Ombudsman. "
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Features
Lack of information on file
"If a vendor withdraws from a sale and the agent remarkets the property, the agent should, of course, advise the potential buyer – in writing!” says Katrine Sporle, The Property Ombudsman.
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Features
Damage limitation
While water from a leak flowed, driving the leaseholder potty, communication with the managing agent barely trickled,” says Katrine Sporle, The Property Ombudsman.
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Features
Abiding by the rules when offering a promotional commission fee
“When an estate agent offers a promotional commission fee they must ensure that they must themselves abide by the terms of the offer and the TPO Code of Practice,” Katrine Sporle, The Property Ombudsman
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Latest property news
Property Ombudsman expels record seven members in one month
The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has expelled seven member agents, which is believed to be the largest number kicked out of its scheme in a single month since the organisation was established in 1990. The agents are Exeter firm Bower & Bower, Secret Property in Halifax, Marilla Garland Property Management in Cambridge, Seekers Estate Agents in Birmingham, Alexander Reed in Middlesex, Abby Lettings and Sales in Sunderland and HAB and KAL Properties, also in Middlesex. As is always the case, the agents were taken to TPO by disgruntled customers for breaches of the TPO code of conduct and, after losing their cases, refused or were unable to pay the agreed award and therefore have been expelled. All the companies involved have been kicked out for between one and three years but, unless they pay the agreed awards, will be unable to join any other redress scheme and therefore cannot continue trading. This is an unprecedented number of agents to be kicked out of TPO’s scheme; usually only one or two face the ultimate sanction each month. TPO has highlighted one of the seven cases, which is a shocking tale of two complaints against 44-year-old company Bower & Bower. Shocking case Both…
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